Today, April 4, 2026, the global community observes International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. While this day often focuses on the physical clearing of landmines in post-war zones, its theme this year—“Invest in Peace; Invest in Mine Action“—strikes a deeply personal chord for us here in Kwara State.
At Ayosifam Integrated Service Limited, we believe that “Mine Action” is not just about explosives; it is about removing the barriers of fear that prevent a farmer from stepping onto their land. In communities like Oni-ko in Moro LGA, the “mines” are the sophisticated weapons of bandits that have turned our fertile fields into zones of terror.
The Cost of an Unsafe Field
When a farmer is afraid to plant, the entire nation feels the hunger. Insecurity is the ultimate “anti-agriculture” force.
Frozen Productivity: Just as a landmine makes a field unusable, the threat of abduction and violence in Moro LGA has forced many of our smallholder partners to abandon their cassava and sorghum crops.
Economic Stagnation: Peace is the first ingredient in every bag of Ayosifam flour. Without it, the “Value Chain” we have worked so hard to build—from solar drying to industrial milling—begins to rust.
The Ransom of Our Future: The ₦200 million ransom demanded from the Oni-ko community isn’t just a financial burden; it is a theft of the capital that should be going into seeds, tools, and processing technology.
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Why We Must Invest in Peace Now
We cannot “modernize” agriculture if we cannot protect the traditional farmer. We cannot reduce poverty if the SME food processor cannot safely source raw materials.
We reiterate our plea to the Kwara State Government: To truly invest in the “Kwara Agricultural Transformation Plan,” you must first invest in the security of the rural farmer.
Reclaim the Fields: Increased patrols in Moro LGA are the “mine clearing” operations we need today.
Protect the Women: In Oni-ko, it was the women—the primary processors and caretakers of the land—who were targeted. Securing our mothers and sisters is non-negotiable for food security.
A Message of Resilience
Even as we mark this day of awareness, Ayosifam remains committed. We are not just a food company; we are a community partner. We will continue to advocate for the safety of Oni-ko and every farming village in our network.
This Easter weekend, as many celebrate renewal, let us pray for arenewal of peace in our rural corridors. Let us invest in the safety of the soil so that we may once again harvest in joy.
